Techniques for Improving Your Nonverbal Communication Skills in the Workplace

by Rose Johnson , Demand Media

Your nonverbal communication skills should reinforce what you are saying.

Photos.com/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images

Nonverbal communication is important in the workplace because it affects the work environment. What you communicate nonverbally can expose how you feel. If your nonverbal communications skills are poor, you may be communicating negativity and making your coworkers uncomfortable. To improve your nonverbal skills, you must first identify the areas where you are lacking.

Eye Contact

Establish eye contact when speaking to others. When you make direct eye contact, it shows the other party that you’re interested in what he is saying. If you must give a presentation at work, establish eye contact with the audience. It tell them that you are confident in what you are presenting. Making direct eye contact provides others with the comfort needed to communicate with you in return.

Facial Expressions

Your facial expressions convey your emotions. Facial expressions are typically universal, which means they convey the same message globally. A frowning person is usually upset. Offer a smile when talking to someone. This tells people that you are happy or in a good mood. It also creates an atmosphere with warmth and friendliness, allowing others to feel comfortable.

Space

Pay attention to your proximity to others. Different cultures view proximity in various ways, so take notice if the person you’re communicating with is uncomfortable. This could mean that you are standing too close, and should create some distance between the two of you. The amount of physical space given can convey many emotions. For example, a person who is behaving aggressively is probably standing very close to the other person.

Posture

Look at your posture. Slouching shows that you are not interested in what a person is saying. Your body movement is also important. For example, swinging your leg back and forth while sitting in a meeting tells others you are impatient, bored and uninterested. Sit up straight and face others when talking.

Tones and Sounds

Your tone of voice and the sounds you make can communicate your thoughts to others without your even speaking. If you receive directions from a manager and immediately grunt, you are showing your manager that you do not agree with what he said. Your tone or sounds can inform people of your anger, frustration or sarcasm. Avoid sighing repetitively or speaking in a high-pitched voice. Speak softly and calmly.

About the Author

Rose Johnson started her writing career in 2008. She has written articles for several online publications, specializing in business and personal finance. Johnson holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in accounting from Texas Southern University.

Photo Credits

Have Feedback?

Thank you for providing feedback to our Editorial staff on this article. Please fill in the following information so we can alert the Small Business editorial team about a factual or typographical error in this story. All Fields are required.